When looking to dine at a fancy-schmancy restaurant, one might think to go to the neighborhood hot spot or the hustle and bustle of the city. But in my neighborhood, Inman Park, between the heart of Little Five Points and the edge of Old Fourth Ward, just finding these fancy restaurants is a skill in itself. Historical Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward contain award-winning, well-recognized restaurants. Despite their quality, a multitude of these places are off the beaten path and hidden from the view of many Atlanta locals.
Julianna’s Coffee and Crepes (775 Lake Ave. NE) can be found in a concealed cozy yellow house off Lake Avenue. Stone walls surround the inside, giving it a homey feel. This posh, artsy cafe is perfect for a chilly winter day. All of Julianna’s produce is fresh from local Atlanta farmers, which makes its famous crepes addictive. If you need to cure a sweet tooth, then the aptly named Almighty crepe covered in Nutella and stuffed with strawberries or bananas is the best thing for you. It is my guilty pleasure.
If you are looking for your second meal of the day, head to TWO Urban Licks (820 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE) but make sure you get directions first. Interestingly placed in an abandoned garage in between warehouses, TWO Urban Licks has a front door that is three times my height. Inside, open air breezes through the restaurant and glass chandeliers hang above. The BeltLine sits directly behind the restaurant. The simple yet unique menu makes it easy to try new things. Still, every time I frequent the restaurant, I feel compelled to order the salmon chips and empanadas. Their brisket is cooked for hours and then stuffed into flour tortillas with garlic aioli and feta. This meal has a kick to it that would satisfy anybody’s taste buds.
Venturing a few streets over into Old Fourth Ward, standing at Sampson and Lake, you can spot the vertically hung letters upon the side of modern-looking building that identify Serpas (659 Auburn Ave. NE). New Orleans native and chef/owner Scott Serpas has given the restaurant its urban feel and southern twist. He also made the restaurant “one of the 10 best new restaurants in America,” according to a 2009 article in GQ Magazine. My favorite dishes were the tomato PBR-steamed mussels and stuffed chicken breast. The presentation of the meal was picturesque, perfectly complementing the meal.
For the final meal of the day, you can find a diamond in the rough in Old Fourth Ward. Kevin Rathbun Steak (154 Krog St. NE) is located in a dead end in what looks like an unassuming warehouse, making it tricky to locate. But once you do finally find the place, you will have no regrets. It is an award-winning steak house whose owner, Kevin Rathbun, was an Iron Chef victor in 2008. Creative Loafing named it the best steakhouse in Atlanta, and Gayot Online ranked it in the top 10 steakhouses in America. Never did I think that macaroni and cheese could taste like a gourmet dish, or that French fries could be so well made that I do not feel guilty eating them. As for their specialty, the dry-aged steak I ordered was cooked to perfection and delicately seasoned. With an appreciably crispy char on the outside and a medium rare center, it is mouth watering.
Exploring the place I have called my home for many years showed me that the mysterious locations of these restaurants, whether tucked into an old home or hidden in an abandoned warehouse, make them more attractive. The hidden gems are easy to miss but definitely worth finding.
